Entry Level Sheriff Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary
Hiring Rate: $35.64/hour, Grade 20, Non-Exempt, MNPEA Patrol Unit
Stearns County Mission: Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All.
Stearns County Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable
Stearns County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.
It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.
Hiring Range: $35.65 - $52.31/hour
The Stearns County Sheriff's Office is committed to our partners, profession and communities. We welcome entry level deputies or experienced deputies to join our team as we continue to deliver the best public safety customer service through community engagement, innovative ideas, and the progressive use of technology. The Sheriff's Office employs over 220 hardworking and dedicated individuals committed to teamwork and organizational growth.
Interested in a career with great job security and the ability to retire at age 55? You'll receive great pay, benefits, opportunity for advancement and the reward of protecting and serving our community. Work is performed 24/7 with shift work including weekends and holidays. Check out this opportunity to make a difference through a rewarding career in public service and enjoy the excellent quality of life in Central Minnesota.
Experienced Candidates will be offered the following incentives:
- Take home squad if residence is within 20 minutes of Stearns County borders
- Front Loaded Paid Time Off (PTO) Dependent on Lateral Experience
If Candidate has 1-3 completed years of lateral experience upon effective date of hire - 40 hours of PTO If Candidate has 4+ completed years of lateral experience upon effective date of hire - 80 hours of PTO
Additional Opportunities include:
-Investigations, SWAT, Field Training Officer, Firearms and Use of Force Instructor, Co-Response Team, School Resource Officer, Drug Task Force, Human Trafficking Task Force, Community Engagement, Recreation/Boat and Water Deputy, Parks Officer, DIVE Team, Sonar Team
-Shift Differential of $1.30/hour between 3:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.
-Agency Wellness Program
Position Objective
To perform a range of duties involving the protection of life and property, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances through routine patrol, investigation, and traffic regulation. This position performs in-depth investigations of crimes against persons and property, oversees complex criminal cases and provides various services and actions related to civil process and is responsible for ensuring the safety of life and property throughout the County. This position may be eligible for lateral pay depending on the applicant's experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.
1. Conducts patrols to preserve law and order, to prevent and detect crime and to enforce criminal and traffic codes.
2. Performs detailed investigations of accidents, criminal activities and public safety incidents to integrate objective data for an effective resolution.
3. Conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence and interviews witnesses.
4. Makes arrests for violations of laws and ordinances to enforce compliance and protect the community.
5. Enforces state and local laws and ordinances.
6. Serves criminal subpoenas, court orders, and designated civil paperwork to residents.
7. Prepares cases for court presentations and testifies in court proceedings.
8. Completes reports and documents to maintain accurate records and provide information to investigators and prosecutors.
9. Responds to emergency calls, including fires, accidents, mental health crisis; assists fire and ambulance services.
10. Prepares and executes search warrants; conducts surveillance operations and searches.
11. Escorts and transports prisoners and others to and from court, jail and other jurisdictions or facilities.
12. Attends autopsies and collaborates with medical examiners to determine individual cause of death.
13. Serves as a team member promoting community-orientated policing and conducts presentations on topics of concern to various community groups.
14. Attends work in a regular and timely manner.
15. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.
Minimum Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:

• Two years of post-secondary formal education in law enforcement, criminal justice or similar field or the eligibility to obtain by September 1, 2026
• Must be Licensed or eligible to be licensed by the Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (POST Board) by September 1, 2026
• Valid Minnesota Driver's License or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment

Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of progressively related experience in law enforcement, a correctional facility, or similar setting
• Emergency Medical Responder Certificate or ability to obtain

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of the geography of Stearns County, as well as the road and street system.
2. Knowledge of the Minnesota criminal code and Minnesota motor vehicle and traffic laws with the ability to recognize and apply the appropriate statutes for recognized violations.
3. Knowledge of public service activities, county policies, and crime prevention strategies.
4. Knowledge of law enforcement terminology and procedures including investigative techniques and evidence-handling procedures.
5. Skilled in the care and use of law enforcement equipment, including firearms.
6. Skilled in de-escalation techniques and defensive tactics.
7. Ability to identify individuals with mental health concerns, including those who may be experiencing a crisis.
8. Ability to quickly assess evolving, non-routine emergencies and take decisive, appropriate action.
9. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.
10. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
11. Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate handwritten, typed, and oral reports.
12. Ability to build rapport with diverse community members.
13. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Accountabilities Shared By All Employees
1. Consistently performs job responsibilities with a positive attitude and in a manner consistent with the County's mission and values.
2. Develops and maintains a respectful and collaborative professional relationship with all County employees and the public we serve.
3. Values and respects the diversity each employee brings to the organization.
4. Develops and maintains knowledge and understanding of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
5. Complies with all rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed 95% outdoors or operating a County squad car under normal and emergency situations, under all weather conditions, and indoor work 5% of the time. Will have regular exposure to health hazards and accidents. All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota. Click the following to view the: Functional Job Analysis for this job. The ability to hear and analyze information at a normal range of radio and speech is required. The ability to visually observe persons and conditions is required.
Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Sergeant-Patrol.
Responsibility for Public Contact
Frequent.
Supervision of Others
None.
Hours of Work
Fixed yearly shifts which include weekends and holidays bid annually by seniority.
Interview Date
If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on a date to be determined. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. A job specific physical, drug and/or psychological exam may be required before appointment.
Benefits
To view Stearns County benefits go to: Stearns County Benefits Page
If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.